Al-Yawir Says Terrorism On The Rise In Iraq

15 September 2004 -- Iraq's interim President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir, on a visit to Brussels, today admitted that "terrorism" is on the rise in Iraq.
Al-Yawir's remarks came not long after three bodies and their severed heads were found north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad today, while at least 12 people were killed in fighting between U.S. forces and insurgents in the western city of Al-Ramadi.

Further north, near the city of Kirkuk, Iraqi police say that gunmen today shot and killed two Iraqi builders employed by the U.S. military.

Earlier today, the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush said it wants to shift $3.5 billion away from Iraqi reconstruction projects and instead devote those funds to boosting security.

(wire reports)

For the latest news on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".